If your employer provides this type of coverage, you should ask for a copy of the summary plan description, which describes what the insurance company requires you to prove to be entitled to benefits. Although these policies vary widely, in general you are entitled to receive short term or long term disability benefits if you are disabled from performing your regular occupation. If you receive long term disability benefits for two years, however, many policies provide that you are entitled to receive benefits only if you are disabled from all forms of employment considering your age, education, vocational background, and residual physical capabilities.